In Tour One we show how
we set up a vivarium using plants planted directly in a substrate of potting
soil to create a natural environment. We mention the use of tree leaves
to add a seasonal touch. More leaves and pine needles are clearly visible
in the pictures in Tour Five. In this tour we want to focus on our increasing
use of leaf litter in our vivariums.

In the deciduous forests
in eastern United States, forest floors are covered with leaves which fall
every year. This is the home turf of box turtles. Leaf litter provides
natural cover to hide in. It is also a place to fine food such as worms
and bugs. So using leaf litter in our vivariums provides natural environments
for our young box turtles. We also like using white pine needles because
the space is so limited.

We start by looking at
the left side of the 30 gallon tank. This vivarium has established plants
including tropical moss. Birch leaves and pine needles add to the natural
look.

The right side of this
tank gets much more abuse from digging turtles. Creeping fig plants are
established but can use help. Here we use many white pine needles tucked
in among the plants to add cover and reduce the wear and tear on the plants.

Some time after the pictures
in Tour One were taken, our 20 gallon tank was emptied and replanted. The
soil mix in the original setup was not providing enough nourishment for
the plants. At that time we did not wish to add fertilizer with the baby
turtles in it. The pictures for Tour Five were taken in the replanted 20
gallon tank.

Here are more pictures
of the 20 gallon tank. Notice the use of leaves and pine needles. The three
box turtles were also in the pictures of the 30 gallon tank above. You
may recognize them. They are Laura, Bush and Atom.

So if you decide to try
leaf litter, pick up leaves and pine needles by hand to avoid unwanted
things collected by raking. And experiment by trying different items. If
you do try leaf litter, you will find that it does get tracked into the
water dish and slowly disappears as you clean the water dish daily. Simply
replace the leaves as needed. You can pull leaves off trees in summer if
needed. That's exactly what happens in nature; leaves decay and are replaced
with new ones.

We would apply the
same technique if we were setting up a vivarium for turtles that would
normally live in drier environments. Perhaps dried grasses would be more
appropriate or leaves from desert plants. Like growing appropriate plants,
leaf litter helps hold humidity.

Some time after
writing this tour we began using plant food intended for house plants with
no ill effects on our turtles. We use a liquid that is diluted in water
and applied directly to the plants. We take care not to get it on the turtles.